Oslo, Norway, 22nd of August 2001.
PhotoCure today presents its report for the 2nd quarter 2001. Highlights from the report include:
*The planned commercialisation of Metvix® Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is on track. Marketing Authorisation was obtained for Metvix® PDT in Sweden on the 15th of June for the treatment of actinic keratosis (pre-cancerous skin lesions, AK) and basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer, BCC). The launch of Metvix® PDT in Sweden is scheduled in the 4th quarter 2001 and the company expects to finalise a licensing deal for markets outside the Nordic market later this year. Marketing Authorisation Applications are pending in 16 EU/EEA countries, Australia and New Zealand and a New Drug Application (NDA) for Metvix® PDT will be filed with the US FDA during the latter part of 2001.
*Development of Hexvix® for the photodiagnosis (PD) of bladder cancer is progressing as planned: Phase II results have shown that Hexvix® improved the detection rate of cancer significantly. Phase III studies are to begin later this year and regulatory filing is scheduled for the 2nd quarter of 2003.
*Total expenses of NOK 49.7 million and a net loss of NOK 32.7 million for the first 6 months of 2001 were according to plan. Liquid funds totalled NOK 363 million as of 30th of June 2001.
President and CEO Vidar Hansson commented on the second quarter results:
"We are proud to report that we have received our first Marketing Authorisation for Metvix®. Further, we are now focusing on the launch of Metvix® in Sweden, and establishing marketing alliances outside the Nordic region. Also Hexvix® has developed very positive with encouraging phase II results in diagnosing bladder cancer."
This report with figures is available at the following link:
